Rep. John McQueeney

Maddy summarySB 326 requires Texas public schools and colleges to use the state's official definition of antisemitism (from Government Code Section 448.001, including its examples) when determining if a student's conduct violation under school rules was motivated by antisemitism. It applies to disciplinary actions for behavior violating student codes in both K-12 schools and higher education institutions. The law mandates this specific definition be used starting with the 2025-2026 school year. The bill was signed into law on May 20, 2025, and took effect immediately. This policy change standardizes how schools assess antisemitism-related conduct without creating new definitions or penalties.

Maddy summarySB 2312 creates the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict to prepare for potential international crises that could disrupt Texas' supply chains or critical infrastructure. The committee, composed of nine members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house, will develop pre-conflict security strategies and gather information to support state response during emergencies. It defines "critical infrastructure" to include systems like oil/gas, water, power, and emergency services, and "geopolitical conflict" as events threatening these systems through war, diplomatic breakdowns, or supply chain disruptions. The bill aims to enhance Texas' defensive posture and protect citizens by making proactive preparations, without altering existing laws or funding.

Maddy summarySB 1577 allows major racing facilities with seating capacity over 40,000 to temporarily sell alcohol during motor racing events. It permits sales for up to five consecutive days per event (or six days if postponed due to natural causes), with a yearly limit of four such events at the facility. The bill restricts sales to two drinks per person at a time and requires sales to end after 75% of the main race concludes or one hour before the last event ends. Additionally, alcohol must be purchased from a locally authorized distributor, and all sales must be reported to the state commission.

Maddy summarySB 1341 updates Texas definitions and consumer protections for manufactured homes. It clarifies that "manufactured home" and "HUD-code manufactured home" follow federal standards (42 U.S.C. §5402(6)), aligning state law with federal rules for home size, construction, and design. The bill requires retailers to provide written disclosures to buyers before sales, covering costs, financing, ownership obligations, and the right to rescind the purchase. It also creates a limited exception allowing consumers to waive the rescission period if they provide written proof of a "bona fide personal emergency." These changes directly affect manufactured home retailers and buyers in Texas.

Maddy summaryHB 113 modifies Texas law on how courts interpret statutes. It restricts courts from considering legislative intent (like statements from lawmakers or committee reports) when reading laws, requiring them to focus only on the plain text of the statute. The bill also prohibits courts from automatically deferring to state agencies' interpretations of laws, though reasonable agency views that match the statute's wording may still be considered. This directly affects courts, state agencies, and anyone involved in legal cases interpreting Texas laws. The changes aim to limit judicial interpretation methods and emphasize the written text of statutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and establish a dedicated fund. It directs the transfer of $3 billion from the state's general revenue fund to this new special fund starting January 1, 2026. The fund will provide grants for research, prevention programs, and treatment development related to dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and related disorders. The institute will oversee funding for research institutions, medical facilities, and collaborative efforts across Texas, directly benefiting residents affected by these conditions through expanded research and prevention initiatives.

Maddy summarySJR 37 proposes a constitutional amendment to explicitly state that non-U.S. citizens cannot vote in Texas. It amends Article VI, Section 1(a) of the Texas Constitution by adding "persons who are not citizens of the United States" as a prohibited voting class. This would clarify existing voting eligibility rules by making citizenship a constitutional requirement, directly affecting non-citizen residents. The amendment must be approved by Texas voters in the November 4, 2025, election to take effect.

Maddy summaryHB 4732 recognizes the Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas as a state-recognized Native American Indian Tribe under Texas law. The bill designates the tribe as eligible for all programs, services, and benefits provided to state-recognized tribes by the U.S. government, Texas, or other states due to tribal membership. It does not address gaming activities, despite the title's reference; the bill focuses solely on formal recognition and eligibility for existing tribal programs. The recognition takes effect September 1, 2025, making the tribe eligible for state-level tribal support programs.

Maddy summaryHB 4893 establishes the "Breakthrough Program" to provide targeted academic advising for Texas students who are the first in their families to pursue college or who qualify for free/reduced-price lunch. The program requires the Texas Education Agency to coordinate with schools and social services, set performance goals for academic achievement, graduation rates, and college enrollment, and provide training for participating communities. Local school districts must develop funding plans to sustain services if state funding decreases, and may use federal, state, private, or school district funds to support the program. This bill directly affects first-generation college students and educationally disadvantaged youth in Texas public schools.

Maddy summaryHJR 2 proposes a constitutional amendment that would prohibit Texas from imposing state taxes on property transferred after someone's death, including estate, inheritance, or gift taxes. It specifically prevents new taxes on these transfers or increases to existing taxes that were in place before January 1, 2025. Exceptions include taxes on motor vehicle gifts, certain property taxes (ad valorem), and taxes already authorized under existing law. This amendment requires voter approval in the November 2025 election and would affect anyone transferring property through wills, inheritances, or gifts after the amendment takes effect.